Hi Bruce,

It's a shame you're not coming to town right now with the Jazz Fest happening in Montreal! :)
I am not a big jazz fan myself but I hear very good things about the House of Jazz if you want to check it out.
You must also check out the Mount Royal Park, the Lafontaine Park, the Atwater and Jean Talon markets, which will be overflowing with great produce and beautiful colours in September. Grab a bit at the Satay Brothers at the Atwater market. Check out where to eat at the Jean Talon market in this article I wrote: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/where-to-eat/eat-your-way-through-jean-talon-market
As for restaurants, here are some of my faves:
Osteria Venti (Italian)
Olive & Gourmando (breakfast/lunch)
Kazu (Japanese izakaya)
Les 400 coups (French)
Pastaga
Kitchenette
Dominion Tavern
Bouillon Bilk
Park

Brunch:
Lawrence
Le comptoir vins et charcuteries
Sparrow
Pastaga
Omma (Korean brunch)
Leméac (French bistro with a lovely terrasse, reservations a must)
Beauty's for a classic Montreal brunch with bagel

Check this list on my blog for more ideas: http://willtravelforfood.com/2012/04/09/restaurants-montreal-open-sunday-monday-nights/

I hope you enjoy your stay in Montreal!

Posted Jul 05, 2012

Bruce,

Quebec City: Lower-Town is a photographer's dream at night and around every corner, there's an art exhibit of some sort. Gorgeous. Take the ferry across into Levis/Saint-Romuald and you'll get sweeping views of the Laurentians and Quebec City. There's excellent hiking in Jacque Cartier National Park. Your hotel concierge or the staff at MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) can provide specifics on guides, tours, trails, etc.

Restaurants: Panache is worth every penny, even if you just go for the fromage and charcuterie. Let the sommelier choose for you. Brasserie Korrigane (on Rue Dorchester) is a mid-priced bet for artisanal brews and food. Great, quiet, relaxed atmosphere with the natural wood furnishings. The folks here have a genuine taste for gastronomy.

Montreal: Take the train from Quebec City into Montreal. It's about three (3) hours and you'll get contrasting sightseeing of "old Quebec" into "modernized Quebec" (i.e. Montreal). Montreal is a lot to take in so you'll need some help and no one better than the guys at Fitz and Follwell Co. My husband and I did a tour with them in April and loved it. Food, sports, sightseeing, local insider's knowledge ... these guys covered it. It's impossible to see Montreal solo ... let the guys at Fitz take the lead on this one. They can also point you to some good eats. http://www.fitzandfollwell.co/

Have a great time. We can't wait to go back!

Posted Jul 05, 2012

The old city is great for rambling and eating. If you're a crepe fan try "Crepe Breton" it's on a touristy street (#1136 Rue St, Jean) but the crepes are amazing. For later "Le Cochon Dingue" in the lower city has great chicken pot pie and in the same area there is a pub called "l'oncle antoine" in an old stone cellar with awesome atmosphere.

Posted Dec 01, 2012